HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019, 7:00 PM
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING

                The hearing was opened at 7:00 PM by Mayor Freking, with the following council members present: Glenn Kuhnau, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner. 

                No one was present to question or comment on the setting of the levy or the budget.  Mayor Freking closed the hearing at 7:01 PM. 

REGULAR MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Mayor Jason Freking, with the following council members present; Glenn Kuhnau, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner.  Others in attendance were Joe Liepold, Police Chief Tony Fauglid, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton and Stacy J. Grube.

Approval of Agenda

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the agenda with the additions of a Southwest Broadband update, update on parcels auctioned, and an update on water rate recommendations.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve the minutes of the Council Meeting of November 6, 2019 as presented.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Employee Wages

Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve 25 cents an hour for custodian at the library, 25 cents an hour for the police chief, 50 cents an hour for part time police officer, 1.00 per hour for the liquor store manager, 25-50 cents an hour for the bartenders, 40 cents an hour for public works supervisor and 25 cents an hour for public works employee, 30 cents an hour for the deputy clerk, and 40 cents an hour for the clerk/treasurer effective January 1, 2020.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Final Levy Certification

                Council reviewed the proposed 2020 budget, with LGA being certified at $290,489, (same as 2019), additional miscellaneous income estimated to be $26,931 and expenses estimated to be at $572,418 resulted in:

                Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve Resolution 2019 – 14, setting the 2020 City Heron Lake final levy at $258,591.  This amount reflects a 1% increase to the levy amount of 2019.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

Certifying Assessments

                Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve Resolution 2019 – 15, certifying assessments for unpaid bills.  Vote on the motion:  Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

Library Board

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve Amanda Schoborg to Heron Lake Library Board.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

Southwest Regional Development Commission

                Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve signing the agreement for revolving loan services at the rate of $100 per hour with SRDC.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

Falcon Heights

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson to approve recommended repairs to two (2) furnaces at Falcon Heights.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

Community Center Custodian

                Discussion was held regarding costs of current custodial duties and supplies vs. contracting with Marsden for cleaning at the Community Center.  Discussion resulted in:

                Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Mayor Freking, to approve contracting with Marsden Services for custodial services at the Community Center for $1,544.00 per month plus event set-up and take down.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

PeopleService

                Joe Liepold reported the following: 1) has lowered some curb stops; 2) pond discharge has been completed; 3) ponds have been winterized at 40 inches.    

Public Works

                John Haberman reported that the city pickup is in the body shop being repaired, he is waiting on Empire to return to work on 17th Street project when weather allows and encouraged Council to consider doing street work. 

Police Department

                Police Chief Fauglid reported the following: 1) A part-time officer will be quitting and that he and other part time officer will cover the hours; 2) He is working on finalizing contract with Jackson County; 3) Part time officer went off the road in icy conditions and the squad car has been repaired; 4) Has been talking with snowmobilers in City limits. 

Water Fund

                Council was informed that financial advisor, Shannon Sweeny, does not make any recommendations to change water rates for 2020. Further discussion regarding the water fund resulted in:     

Mayor Freking moved, seconded by council Member Kuhnau to approve taking $60,000 from the water fund to pay towards the 08 Watermain Bond.  Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

Other Business – No action taken

Southwest Broadband – Council Member Kuhnau reported that there were 44 new customers this year.  He also invited any Council Members to attend the next board meeting as Southwest Broadband has expressed interest in going to private board meetings, Council expressed that they wish for the meetings to remain open. 

Claims

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $147,431.98. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.                               

Adjourn              

                Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to adjourn at 7:40 PM. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer

Approved: 1/8/2020

Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, Wagner